Latest News Articles by Laura Chesters
Allow access to antiquities files, says Christie’s
22 June 2020Following the removal of four lots from a New York sale, Christie’s has expressed frustration at being denied access to key information on possible looted antiquities.
Portobello Road Market dealer in dispute over access to stock
22 June 2020A Chinese silver dealer is searching for a new home on Portobello Road after a dispute with his landlord, Portobello Group.
Collector interview: Longcase launched my interest
22 June 2020Devon artist’s first buy is still his most precious – but joined by tables, militaria and much more
Legal wrangle into disputed Frans Hals painting continues as investment firm wins right to appeal
17 June 2020The legal dispute over a Frans Hals (1582-1666) painting sold via Sotheby’s by Old Master picture dealer Mark Weiss and Fairlight Art Ventures is set to reach the Court of Appeal.
Dealers put themselves in the picture with Instagram art challenge
16 June 2020How have you kept yourself busy during the long days of lockdown? Some people may have turned to drink but two dealers have turned to drink and dressing up and framed their exploits on Instagram.
Raid on eBay seller's 'fake medal factory' run from garden shed leaves market reeling
15 June 2020A trading standards investigation has unearthed a ‘medal factory’ in Derbyshire, sparking the fear that thousands of fake military awards and badges could be in circulation.
Portobello arcades owner defends its rents stance but some dealers may not return
15 June 2020As Portobello Road market dealers come under financial pressure following the lockdown, the owner of many of its arcades has defended its stance on rent payments.
Market for illicit antiquities valued ‘in millions not billions’
15 June 2020The antiquities trade has welcomed a new independent report that estimates the volume of looted objects on the market is much smaller than previous reports have suggested.
Greece has right to claim bronze, says US court
15 June 2020Cases disputing the rightful ownership of antiquities have become common in recent years with nations including Greece, Turkey, Egypt, Iran and Iraq seeking repatriation of objects in private or public ownership in Europe and the US.
Dealer duo adept at the frame game
15 June 2020Two dealers who met at Kempton antiques fair have kept a group of loyal followers happy and entertained during lockdown with inspired Instagram posts.
Christie’s and Paris Biennale joint auction
15 June 2020The Paris Biennale and dealer association Syndicat National des Antiquaires have organised an online auction at Christie’s.
Flog It! presenter and dealer Paul Martin teams up with auction house for NHS charity auction
13 June 2020Former Flog It! presenter and dealer Paul Martin and auction house Dawsons have launched an auction to raise funds for NHS charities.
Sotheby’s loses New York court case against Greece over ancient horse figurine
10 June 2020The Greek ministry of culture has won a court ruling over auction house Sotheby’s involving the ownership of an 8th century BC horse figurine.
Government confirms 'non-essential retail' in England can reopen to the public from June 15
10 June 2020Shops, retail galleries and auction houses in England will be able to reopen from June 15, the business secretary has confirmed.
New faces - the latest Movers and Shakers at auction houses
10 June 2020An update from across the world of art and antiques including at John Nicholson’s and Phillips.
La Biennale Paris dealers will offer objects at an online auction at Christie’s this autumn
09 June 2020La Biennale Paris and dealer association Syndicat National des Antiquaires have organised an online auction at Christie’s.
Rare Rembrandt self-portrait comes to auction at Sotheby’s
08 June 2020A self-portrait by Rembrandt van Rijn (1606-69) – one of just three in private hands – is coming to auction at Sotheby’s next month.
Safety first as dealers get set to resume indoor trading and fairs prepare to restart
08 June 2020Dealers, fair organisers and antiques centre managers are preparing to return to business with a mixture of enthusiasm and caution.
London auction rooms back to ‘new normal’
08 June 2020Auction houses in London have announced they are restarting live auctions in June.
June 15: not a moment too soon
08 June 2020Despite the difficult challenges, dealers are delighted to open their doors once again